The Ministry of External Affairs has stepped in to facilitate the visa request of a Maharashtra man after his daughter Nilam Shinde, was left fighting for life following an accident in California on February 14.
The US authorities have granted an interview at 9 am on Friday for the emergency visa of Tanaji Shinde. Though he had earlier tried for a visa, the next slot was available only for the next year.
What happened to Nilam Shinde?
Nilam Shinde has been in California for four years and is currently in her final year. She suffered injuries to her head, chest and limbs after another car hit her. Shinde has also suffered fractures in her hands and legs and is lying in coma. It was the local police who rushed her to the hospital. A person has been arrested in connection with the accident.
Student Neelam Shinde has met with an accident in the USA and is hospitalized in a local hospital. Her father, Tanaji Shinde, from Satara, Maharashtra, India, urgently needs to visit his daughter due to a medical emergency. Tanaji Shinde has applied for an urgent visa to the USA…
— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) February 26, 2025
Shinde's family was informed about the accident two days later by a roommate. The hospital has asked her family to come to the US as soon as possible and also obtained consent for a brain surgery. The family said the hospital is sending updates about her health condition daily.
Adding to the family's woes, Shinde's mother died a few days ago. The family has reached out to the Centre for help with the medical assistance. The family reportedly sought help from Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol and other local politicians. However, they are yet to get any help from the state or central governments.
Earlier, NCP(SP) leader Supriya Sule had urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to help the family with the US visa. "Student Neelam Shinde has met with an accident in the USA and is hospitalised in a local hospital," she posted, adding that her father needs to urgently travel to the US.
